Plans Advance to Defend Migrant Families

 

Immigrant organizations, school boards, mayors and state officials have been meeting with comunities across the state to put into place protections for immigrant families in advance of Trump's promised deportation raids.

Attorney General William Tong has made it clear that Connecticut's values of protecting all residents will be upheld including the Connecticut Trust Act which prohibits government workers from cooperating with federal immigration officials.

In addition to neighborhood community meetings being held by organizations such as Semilla Collective in New Haven and Deportation Defense in Hartford, an Immigration Town Hall in New Haven on December 5 with Tong, New Haven Mayor Elicker and School Superintendent Dr. Madeline Negrón indicated that multi-lingual “know your rights” materials, additional school counselors, and outreach to nearby towns are being put into place as part of a coaalition-building effort.

In New Haven a General Order also prohibits city personnel from cooperating with immigratin authorities.

On December 18, International Migrant's Day, immigrant led organizations held a press conference at New Haven city hall as part of a national grassroots day of action and solidarity including Unidad Latina, Hamden Action NOW!, Peoples Center, NDLON, NILC, Greater New Haven Peace Council and CT Shortline Indivisible, in collaboration with the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON).

In a statement NDLON said, “As the incoming Trump administration advances its threats of mass deportations, immigrant committees and worker centers are convening actions big and small to unify immigrant communities, local and national partners.  In the face of the many attacks against indigenous migrant communities and the threat of deportations by Donald Trump

“Our adversaries wish and expect our immigrant communities to disappear in the silence of night.  That is because they know nothing of our courage.  But we know of the courage in our communities,” said Pablo Alvarado, Co-Executive Director of NDLON.  “They want to instill fear in us, with their extremist rhetoric and policies. But all they will do is fan the flames of our indignation.  And we will turn this indignation into action.” 

At the Immigration Town Hall Tong, who is reaching out to Attorneys General in other states, called on all community organizations to become engaged saying the experience of struggle gives hope. “It is only possible if we fight for each other.”